By Evangelist John BJ Hall
There are many in the world who believe they are alone, rejected and forsaken. This was the case of a little man named Zacchaeus. We find his story in the Gospel of Luke chapter 19. He was alone because he was a tax collector for the hated Roman government. He was considered a traitor as a result of his relationship with it. Besides this, he was guilty of taking more taxes than were due and pocketing the overage.
Zacchaeus had heard the Jesus was in town and he wanted to see the One he had heard so much about. There were so many people gathered about that he could not even catch a glimpse of Jesus. He ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a tree hoping the Lord would pass by.
Not only did Jesus pass by, He looked up and called Zacchaeus by name and invited Himself to his house for dinner. As a result Zacchaeus came to know Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior.
What do we learn from this encounter?
- If you feel rejected, hopeless, hungry for truth or hindered from having hope. Jesus seeks you out. He wants a relationship with you. He wants to show His grace and love to you. His goal is to fill you with truth, hope and love.
- If you feel no one cares. Jesus sees you cares for you. Peter said, “casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
- If you feel that no one is even aware of your existence. Jesus knows you. He called Zacchaeus by name. He didn’t ask, “Who is that foolish old man who climbed that tree?” He knew Zacchaeus before he was even born. The Psalmist said, “For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother's womb.” (Psalm 139:13)
- If you feel that no one wants to be around you. Jesus wants you. He told Zacchaeus “I must stay at your house.”
- All Zacchaeus had to do was to receive Jesus (v 6) and repent of his sin (v 8). Jesus saved him. (v 9) He wants to save you.
He said, “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (v 10)
Where Do I Turn?
Troubles come on every side.
They rise and fall just like a tide.
Seems no matter where I turn
Troubled waters rip and churn.
I am deserted and alone,
Like a piece of trash that’s thrown.
There’s no peace, there’s no hope,
I’m at the end of my own rope.
Where do I turn, where can I go?
Who will hope to this life show?
I’ll turn to Jesus, He’s the one
He’ll shine His light, bright as the sun.
I turn to Him. What do I find?
He’s been right there, all of the time.
He always knew the peace I need
As before God’s throne, He stood to plead.
And now I know that there is joy
To overcome the Devil’s ploy.
I’ll turn to Jesus, He’s my friend.
He’ll be beside me to the end.
© Copyright 1995 by Passages Ministries. All rights reserved.
For permission to use this poem contact Passages Ministries.